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Welcome to Dronfield Online > NEWS & ARTICLES > Arts, Music & Entertainment > Diary of a Bluebell Wood Walker

Diary of a Bluebell Wood Walker

Diary of a Bluebell Wood Walker
Once again the Dronfield girls, committed to raising money for and awareness of the Bluebell Wood Hospice, undertook their annual 35 mile walk around the Peak District.  Below is a heart-warming account of the 3-day journey by one of the walkers, Leanne Vaughan:

Day 1 - Fri 12th June: 10.30am.

Glorious sunshine! Rucksacks packed with blister plasters, Knee supports, suncream and picnic! 15 girls (including myself) set off for a 35 mile (3 days) charity walk in aid of Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice. We set off from Thornbridge Hall where Jim and Emma Harrison waved us on our way.

Passing through Great Longstone and Little Longstone we reach the breath taking views of Monsal Head, there we have our first coffee break before heading off up to Cressbrook (quite a climb I have to say!) After catching our breath we graze on our well deserved picnic with spectacular views all around. We continue to Wardlow then Foolow where we stop for more refreshments; this is in the form of a can of beer kindly donated by one of the walker's husband. He had tracked us down as Lorna the walker in question had left her mobile phone in his car. we used him to our advantage and sent him off to the local shop for the tinnies! Having laughed at Gillian's jokes we drag ourselves away from the the scenic little village and head off through Great Hucklow reaching our final destination of the day, The Barrel at Bretton. The highest pub in Derbyshire. Cold beers go down well!
          
Day 2 - Sat 13th June: 9.30am.

We leave the Barrel  (after eating a full English breakfast) heading down into the valley, then back up we pass through Abney. beautifull scenery but little else there. Skirting Shatton we reach Bamford then Sicklehome golf club. Refreshments are provided, however still full from English breakfast we manage a sandwhich and juice.

With a steep climb up through the golf course we arrive at Stanage Edge. Sue Dunk is kind enough to lend us her garden as the venue for our celebration as we are joined by Tom, Gillian's son and the reason for raising awareness and funds for Bluebell Wood childrens Hospice which recently opened last September. The hospice costs over 2million pounds per year to run with only a small percentage coming from the government. Tom is one of the fortunate children who can now access the facilities and outstanding care provided by Bluebell Wood. With this we raise a glass of sparkling wine to Tom and eat more food and cakes provided by Kuchene and sing and dance to the saxophanist - what could be nicer on a Saturday afternoon!

Time to move on - we then descend into more countryside and into Hathersage again, raising more awareness as we create a little attention in our Bluebell Wood hats!  We head next for the Plough where clotted cream teas are provided.  The tea goes down as well as the scones.

For the last couple of miles we follow the river into Grindleford, past the station and finishing at the Maynard. Shoes off - lots of blisters and aching legs at this point. However the glass or two of Prosecco provided by Paul the Landlord helps to ease the pain! 

Day 3 -   Sun 14th June. 7.30am!

Still full from yesterday but manage another not so full English breakfast! We set off for our big day - family and friends are due to meet us at Baslow and join us for the last seven miles.

A gentle walk, sun still shining on us, we walk below Curbar Edge following the river to Froggatt, Calver and Bubnell before we arrive at the village hall Baslow. Tea and shortcake are also waiting for us. (don't think i am ever going to eat again after this weekend!!!)
         
11.15 we are lead by the bagpipes to the kissing gate passing one of the finest house's in Britain - Chatsworth of course. Through Endsor we climb a very steep hill.  Once at the top a stunning panoramic view can be seen above Chatsworth Estate.  Bakewell next stop. A picnic lunch then our final stretch by the river into Ashford. As we approach, the Tideswell Male voice choir can be heard in the garden of the Ashford Arms pub. Joined by Tom at our finishing point we all raise a toast in celebration of our achievements. At this point there is not a dry eye as Gillian makes a very moving speech again highlighting how important Bluebell Wood can make a huge impact on the children and their families who rely so much on the Hospice.
         
A great end to a great weekend. A fantastic experience, a great bunch of girls, brilliant weather and gorgeous food! We clocked up 37 miles ( not to mention the pounds we put on) covering 20 Derbyshire villages. Can't wait for next year!!!
 
 
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